Abstract

We report an improved process for the better dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes
(MWCNTs) in Al powder used for the fabrication of Al‐matrix composites employing powder metallurgy process. For obtaining a better dispersion of MWCNTs in Al, we used two types of MWCNTs. In the first type, the MWCNTs were firstly functionalized by using ammonium bi‐carbonate and mix with Al powder using a high energy ball mill in the presence of a process control agent. In the second type we grew MWCNTs directly on Al powder using CVD. Various mechanical properties of the composites including micro hardness, compressive strength etc. were determined. It has been observed that using functionalized MWCNTs (fCNTs) and CVD grown MWCNTs, these properties were found to enhance significantly. The dispersion of functionalized CNTs was studied by SEM and the interfacial bonding between functionalized CNTs and Al matrix using high resolution transmission electron microscopy
(HRTEM).